More useful links about Cape Breton and its music
With my erratic summer schedule behind me, I’m now settling into the fall which means more consistent blog posts! I thought I would begin with a short post to make you aware of some resources that will inform you more about Cape Breton and its music and places you may want to see if you have the opportunity to visit.
http://www.celticheart.ca This is a relatively new site that I have become aware of. It contains great information about festivals, workshops, and other events and venues in Cape Breton as well as other information that can help plan your trip there. You can also find great blog posts about Gaelic culture in Cape Breton contributed by Gaelic instructor Angus MacLeod and musician Tracey Dares MacNeil.
http://www.celtic-colours.com The Celtic Colours International Festival is one of the largest best known Celtic Festivals in the world. Over 9 days in October, Cape Breton musicians join Celtic musicians from all over the world to perform in concerts and other events. About 5 concerts take place each night in various communities across the island. Each night, everyone gathers at the Festival Club at the Gaelic College in St Ann’s to enjoy music in a more informal setting. The festival begins traditionally on the Friday before Canadian Thanksgiving.
http://www.celticmusiccentre.com The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre is located in Judique Cape Breton. This is a great place to drop in to learn more about Cape Breton music. The center offers live demonstrations where Cape Breton musicians talk about the music they are playing. The center also houses an extensive amount of archival material including photographs, videos, and recordings. Each Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon, you’ll catch a live performance of a well known Cape Breton fiddler.
http://www.gaeliccollege.edu/ In addition to being the central location for the Celtic Colours International Festival, the Gaelic College offers workshops all summer long in fiddling, piping, step dancing, Gaelic language among other disciplines. Throughout the year, the College also offers Gaelic TIP (Total Immersion Plus) weekends.